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ACT Alliance Alert: Assistance to storm survivors in Burundi

by Elisabeth Gouel | https://twitter.com/actalliance | ACT Alliance - Switzerland
Monday, 17 February 2014 15:55 GMT

* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Alert

BURUNDI

Assistance to storm survivors in Burundi

Geneva, 17 February 2014

1.    Brief description of the emergency and impact

On the night of Sunday 9th February, Burundi experienced a violent storm and rainfall that left 124 dead, many injured and 1,159 households destroyed. The resultant floods and landslides hit the areas surrounding the capital city of Bujumbura, precisely in the communes of Mutimbuzi, Isale, Kinama and Kamenge.

People lost all their house equipments, food stocks and livestock.  Social infrastructure was also destroyed including: offices, schools, water and electricity.

The most affected hills are Mvuramazi, Rugomero, Busenga, Gihinda, Nyabagere, Nyarusagamba, Nyamigezi, Kanenga, Benga, Sagara, Buyimba and Kibuye. The total number of people affected are 2 500 households totaling to 12,500 people without shelter.

The Red Cross is organizing a site of the displaced and the Government through the national police has facilitated the movement of the corpses and funeral expenses. Local self-government is facilitating claims’ records and providing first aid to the most survivors.

2.    Why is an ACT response needed?

ACT response will contribute to the recovery of most vulnerable households.  Through cash distributions poor families will replace the basic household assets.

3.    National and international response

ACT Alliance Burundi Forum is a member of the Crisis Committee which was set up by the Government of Burundi. The committee has jointly assessed the effects of the disaster and set up structures and procedures to coordinate the response. They still make assessment and plan for response.

The Red Cross is organizing a site for the displaced families.  The Government through the national police has facilitated the removal of the dead and provide for funeral expenses. Local self-government is facilitating claims’ records and providing first aid to the most survivors.

4.    ACT Alliance response

The forum members will request ACT Alliance Rapid Response Funds.  Activities will include: Community mobilization and sensitization; Identification and Authentication of beneficiaries. Cash distribution to 600 households most affected in Gatunguru area.

Norwegian Church Aid is also planning to provide WASH services to supplement the RRF activities.

5.    Constraints

Funds to meet the huge needs of the affected population.


Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jean-Daniel Birmele, Director of Finance (jbi@actalliance.org)

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